I have been the music director of five different churches in the last twelve years.
I too get a modest salary,but the pianist plays for the choir, so I mainly play the organ for services.

I agree with playing in the manner you are accustomed to. I was a B3 organist in restaurants and nightclubs in the sixties and seventies. I chose small churches because you can pretty much do as you please. I am self taught, and chorded the entire hymnal. When I play a hymn, I am told it is uplifting. It is because I use my old style in a reverent way.

I could not get by in a large formal church, where you have to have a degree, but it is finding you niche.